End of my Internship

Hi Bloggers,

So it has come to the end of my internship, and must I say I have thoroughly enjoyed very minuet of it.  Through completing my internship at the Department of Government Housing I feel as if I have learnt the true importance of this PR unit. As I was given the opportunity to gain experience in an environment where they constantly encouraged me to challenge myself when it came to handling clients, organising events, liaising with media organisations and attending business meetings.  As part of the PR corporate communications team at the department of housing I felt as if was able to gain deeper insight into how the roles and responsibilities are expected to be carried out in an organisation such as the Government. 

Through working alongside the corporate communication general manager at the Department of Government Housing, Steve Athem I was able to understand how PR jobs such as his was indeed stressful at times however, was all about remaining efficient and organised in all areas of work. Throughout my time spent at the organisation I had the opportunity to make lifetime relationships and friendships with my colleagues, as I found my co-workers to be very friendly and approachable at all times.

Despite being heavily nervous about this internship I soon learnt that it was a priceless experience, and one that will never be forgotten about. As all the tips and professional practices I have been taught will stay with me forever and will guide me into leading a successful career in PR.

Overall it wasn’t for this unit I wouldn’t have been able to be given the opportunity to gain an insight and further understanding of how a PR organisation operates. So I am very thankful to the department of Government Housing for allowing me to have such n amazing experience! Furthermore it was through incorporating the learning outcomes and key messages in the study I have completed thus far that enabled me to feel ready and capable of taking on this internship.  

Georgia Whyte 

17080277 

Tip #1: Trust your gut**

 **Because your mind can be dead-set confusing! 

It would be remiss of me to forget about the lead up to my placement as an Intern at The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) or, as my internal narrations depict this era, ‘life before reality’ (LBR).

Now, I put a lot of thought into where I was looking at doing my Internship. I mean A LOT. I was taken aback by how the process completely consumed me. It wasn't that I had anticipated securing a placement was going to be a quick and easy process, or that I was nonchalant towards the whereabouts of the placement – the opposite was true.

Let’s take a quick look back…..

I left my demanding job at a global mining company nearly four years ago in search of a career with ‘substance’ and ‘meaning’. What a cliché, right? Absolutely. I was a 28 year old chasing the educational foundations I needed to guide my future away from the working-to-live mentality I had developed, and instead,  look towards a career path that roused enthusiasm, creativity and pride within me. 

This may sound extreme, but I was having dreams about being totally lost at forty with no qualifications or confidence to change up my life. One word. Scary..... 

Why is this walk down memory lane relevant, you ask? There is a link i promise! It all came to a head when I started seriously looking for a placement. My biggest fear about heading out into the 'real world' was that I knew nothing about the 'normal' things in day-to-day PR practice. I didn't know how a typical day would progress, I didn't know how a client meeting was run--I didn't know a lot. 

Yes, I know, I was getting exceptionally pent up about something that I really wasn't expected to know, but it made me think about how important this placement should be to me, how much I wanted to learn, and most importantly, how much I needed to learn. 

Cue the Rocky theme song.... I was now a soon-to-be-graduate on a mission to find relevance, excitement and, with all my digits crossed, hopefully a job. I sat down with PR professionals from different industries and picked their brains in hope that at the end of it, I would have a definitive answer to the question "What do you really want to do". 

You guessed it, I came out the other end with less clarity than I went in with. My mistake is that I was hoping that someone would tell me what i wanted to do. How is that even possible? It's not. 

I was lucky enough to gain some incredible insight from organisations such as FTI Consulting, Shout for Good and Form, so not all was lost, but I had some more soul searching to do. My "Eureka" moment came when I was speaking (yes, probably sulking) to a friend about the fact that I've been warned against working in not-for-profit of Government roles, but that I had envisaged my career path heading in that direction. 

My friend sat me down and fired endless questions at me, until "Eureka!", I realised that I shouldn't be letting what I've heard, or been told completely rule my decision making process. Yes I should definitely take heed of others experiences and suggestions, but that should not be what I base my decisions on. 

So with a clear and open mind, I recalled a conversation I had with with my friend Lauren, earlier this year. We were catching up and swapping life stories, and mine paled in comparison, as she spoke about her role as Media and Corporate Communications officer at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). The enthusiasm and excitement that she spoke with was all encompassing, and SO different to the response I have come to expect when discussing a government position. I was hooked!

I said jokingly (with an obvious, but fruitful motive) to Lauren in passing, "So.....are they open to interns at DFES?", and before I knew it, I was conversing with the MCC manager Laura, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

It has been an incredible ride so far. Overwhelming, exciting, confusing, scary, insightful - just to reference a small portion of the emotions that have been consuming me.

Watch this space as I delve into the dynamic world of emergency communications, community engagement and more at DFES. 

Chat soon!

Lou McGown

Media and Corporate Communications Intern
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services

So much to do.. So little time!

So, my internship was a little slow to start, so my stress started to build. I did a few days here and there but was unsure of when I would be given a little more responsibility as my tasks to date were pretty admin based as it is an events company...

Me, being me, was worried that I wasn't learning as much as I could and asked for extra tasks... And they delivered. 

I am so excited, I am now working on the four ANZAC Day 2015 events at Kings Park and in the city! For these events I have to create a community engagement strategy, a boiler plate (information one pager), FAQ document for the ANZAC Day 2015 website, writing a letter to the local residents and organising sponsorship! While they are challenging tasks and it is completely different writing something that is going to be published and used rather than an assignment. I am really looking forward to getting these tasks underway and into my portfolio. 

For large events, the surrounding communities must be consulted and kept up to date with road closures, noise levels and parking, if the event is to run smoothly.

Hope you are all enjoying your placements! I can't wait to start these tasks and experience real deadlines! 

Montana

Christmas party for underprivileged children

 Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa , Kota Kinabalu held a children 's Christmas party for unprivileged children. The charity event is held annually at the resort. Seventy-seven children from a number of charity homes, including Sabah Cheshire Home, Taman Didikam Kanak Kanak,  Kanak Kanak Kurang Upaya Sembulan, Rumah Kanak Kanak Berringis, Jireh Home, Rumah Bukit Harapan , Seri Mengasih Centre and Sekolah Kebangasaan Pendidikan Khas attended the party.

Shangri-La  prepared an amusing line-up of activities for the party. Before the party began, some of the hotel staff dressed up as Santa and Santarina, and welcomed the children arriving at the main lobby with a warm smile. During the opening ceremony, resort staff Jessica Morris gave a heartfelt welcome speech. This was followed by the high tea buffet and more activities.

After the scrumptious high tea buffet, a variety of games and activities were conducted, beginning with the dance performance by children from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Beringgis followed by a magic show and some parlour games such as, "Musical Chair" and "Ping Pong Race"which brought so much surprise and laughter.

The Christmas party ended up with a group photo. Everyone had a joyful and enjoyable Christmas party.

This event showed that Shangri-La hotel is doing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which comply with the hotel's CSR vision and mission statement, which is " We envision a community of responsible and educated citizens who are environmentally conscious, practice social responsibility in their daily lives and inspire others to do the same. We commit to operating in an economically, socially and environmentally responsible manner whilst balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders. 
We strive to be a leader in corporate citizenship and sustainable development, caring for our colleagues and guests, seeking to enrich the quality of life for the communities in which we do business, and serving as good stewards of society and the environment." 

Besides, this event also build a win-win situation for both the Shangri-La hotel and underprivileged children. Shangri-La hotel can maintaining and enhancing their own reputation and credibility, engaging with the community and building a good relationship with public at the same time taking care of those under privileged children and let them know the feeling of being love.

I am glad that I had a chance to participate in this event and my PR director had assigned me some task for this event which is to be the photographer of this event, and wrote a media release for this event for the publication on news. Lastly, I had gained a lot of experience throughout this event.

Scrumptious high tea buffet 

Everyone enjoying the foods 

Games time 

The party ended up with a group photo. 

16 years straight of formal education has boiled down to this moment.

When you're going through your degree, you spend a lot of time procrastinating, a lot of time juggling work, study, volunteer work and work experience, and a lot of time trying to imagine what it will be like once you finally have that piece of paper which formally boasts your ability to communicate effectively with a chosen audience (Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Journalism and Public Relations anyone?)

You run and rush and race to get through your degree and then you hit:

                                          the end. 

The only thing left is a void; a giant leap between the stability of the somewhat solid ground (University) and the next closest stable surface (Employment).

Well, that's how I felt before beginning my Internship this year.

Completing an Internship with JumpClimb - Music Management and Events has taught me so much in such a little space of time. I no longer feel like the jump into full-time employment in the Public Relations industry is a large one. In fact, I can't wait to start full time work.

These are the two fantastic individuals who have been such wonderful mentors to me:

I began this degree with my sights set on Journalism. However, with each semester that passed, I learned more about the PR profession and the ability and the PR practitioners have to influence opinion, develop relationships, write creatively and think broadly on a daily basis, and I have certainly come to the dark side.

There is so much Public Relations has to offer within a company, from Crisis Management to dealing with all Stakeholders in an effective and engaging way, to dealing with the press and helping to effectively run major events like The Beaufort Street Festival.

So what did I learn during my time with the small, but incredibly effective JumpClimb team?

1. Offer a smile and the opportunity for others to talk and you will go far
I think this goes without saying in the PR field, but nevertheless. Sometimes all people need is a chance to communicate their ideas first and get things off their chest before you come storming in with big ideas and a corporate mindset. A smile can make someone's day, too. It's one of the most welcoming tools you have at your disposal.

2. Approach EVERYTHING with a can-do attitude, or not at all
No one wants to work with someone who constantly doubts their abilities or their suitability for a particular job. If you give everything your best and you fail, you can at least say that you gave it a go. Everyone makes mistakes and everything is a learning opportunity.

3. Things can go wrong at any second, so issues and crisis management plans are VITAL
Re: The floor collapse at Beaufort Street Festival launch.
Need I say more?

4. The "one in, all in" approach
In a small company, every event requires all hands on deck. Whether you are directly working on an event or not, once it comes to event day, everyone ends up pitching in - not because they are just expected to, but everyone is working for the greater good of the company.


5. Love what you do and things will come naturally
Learn to love what you do. We are in Public Relations because we like writing and being creative, because we are innovative and because we love a challenge. If you learn to love all of these things and love the process, doing things on a day to day business is a breeze.


So as I sit here on the last day of my University degree and the last formal day of my Internship, I can't help but be thankful for the experience JumpClimb has provided me and the opportunity Curtin has provided all PR students by forcing us to undertake Internships as part of our degree.

I have met so many amazing, passionate, committed individuals during my Internship. It really is hard to not be inspired by all the hard work that not only JumpClimb, but everyone involved has put into the amazing events that have occurred over the past four months. From PRIDE to The Aviary Rooftop Sessions to Rottofest and now The Beaufort Street Festival.

I'm going to keep working with the JumpClimb team until The Beaufort Street Festival, which is 8 days away. After that, the team are looking at doing a big debrief and chatting about the future of the Company, which will probably involve the implementation of a formal PR plan! Woohooo.

Also, feel free to pop by The Beaufort Street Festival and poke your head into the JumpClimb office, where I, among some other great people, will be running all the Comms for the day.

Take care and kick butt in the 'real world',
Renee

Bindoon backlash

 Agricultural show season has officially finished for BAJV, the fourth and final agricultural show was located at Bindoon, located 84km from Perth. Bindoon has always been an interesting area for the organisation, with a lot of activist groups rallying against the business and their future plans in Bindoon. Being told that Bindoon would be on the more interesting side in agricultural shows in comparison to all the other ones, made me a bit uneasy about having to help run the show on Saturday but I was reassured any questions could be directed to those with greater knowledge. Friday came, we drove an hour and a half up to Bindoon to set up the show, this show was different as I was in charge of set up, the tent was larger then the others giving us a lot more room to play around with! Set up was easier and quicker than I thought, as I knew exactly what I was doing, securing everything down we closed up and headed to our accommodation for the night. Saturday morning came and this meant show day! The show was very relaxed and had a good community and country feel about it. Everyone was very nice and was interested in what we did and what we had to offer to the community. The day was filled with questions and kids playing with the diggers in the bauxite pit. This is what I was in charge of for the day, we had a competition running to see who could get the biggest scoop of bauxite into an ice-cream container, I would then weight it and take their details if they wished to compete in the competition to win a family movie pass. Photos of the activity can be seen below. 4.30pm came and we got to pack up and head back to Perth for the final pack up at the warehouse, it was such a long day and I was exhausted after but it goes to show hard work really does pay off, as the day ran smoothly and was a lot of fun!

Although they have recently closed potential operations in Bindoon as it was seem uneconomic for the time, a lot of people were still interested in what the company was doing and where they saw themselves in the future in relation to adding to the economy and providing jobs.

It was a great experience to talk to all the locals and get a bit more of an understanding for what it is all about. And about what consumers and local communities want, they just want the correct information, and to be honest and open.

 

It's all about building relationships!

Hi Everyone, 

For this blog entry I’m going to talk about my experience with PPR and their community engagement strategies for their clients.

Cedar Woods is developing an aged housing establishment in Carine and as part of a community engagement technique needed myself and an admin assistant to go around the surrounding suburbs issuing letter to the community to let them know what is being planned.

Now in my final semester at uni, I’m taking the unit PR Consultancy which has a higher emphasis on community engagement and different practices that different stakeholders receive based primarily on their involvement within the community.  Basically the more the project is to affect the stakeholder, the higher level of engagement which decides which practice principle to apply. 

In this case, the surrounding community isn’t going to be affected by the again center development besides the occasional construction maybe slowing down the flow of traffic. Therefore the best practice principle was to issue letters to the surrounding community.

This experience was really good because it allowed me to get involved with practicing community engagement which is important in any project!!!

Till next time,

Emily

Countdown, Communication, Community and Celebrations.

COUNTDOWN
18 days, 40 minutes until the Beaufort Street Festival
4 days, 1 hour, 40 minutes until Pride Celebration
It's safe to say orchestrated chaos is imminent.

COMMUNICATION
Our office is small, so any problems or worries that arise are an office problem and something we tackle together, rather than on our own. Despite all having our own roles within the office - Festival Directors, Marketing/PR Coordinator, Project Manager, Business Liaisons etc, we all work to ensure that everyone else in the office is aware of what is going on in our own roles.

As we are such a small team (10 of us max at any given time), most internal communication happens verbally, rather than via new technology methods. I love the idea of sitting around our office table just discussing any updates, rather than being told via an impersonal email. I suppose one thing this has taught me is that any internal communication I may send out in my future PR roles needs to have a personal feel to it, rather than a mass email or communication that feels more like spam than something worth reading.

However, our external communications as part of the Beaufort Street Festival occur across a wide range of mediums, depending on the Stakeholder. We send out weekly newsletters to our Volunteers and friends of the Beaufort Street Network/Festival - including our businesses on the street, letters to residents in the area, Facebook posts to attendees of the event, as well as a dedicated Business Liaison (yours truly) to disseminate information.

COMMUNITY
As part of my journey with JumpClimb, I have also come to realise the importance of Community to Festivals such as the Beaufort Street Festival. Keeping the Community involved and ensuring they are engaged/able to activate spaces on the day and in the lead up is key to success. This has lead me to understanding different creative ways that this can be done, through flash mob organising to stages dedicated to community performance, from decorating windows to trees on the street.

CELEBRATIONS
To finish off, I thought I would leave you with some photos from a JumpClimb event over the weekend. Another aspect of the JumpClimb clientele is booking acts at The Aviary and the Aviary Rooftop Sessions on a Sunday. As part of this, JumpClimb organised for Triple J honey ASTA to play her first EVER Perth show, supported by JumpClimb band PUMBA, local artist Rachel Gorman and DJ Charlie Bucket. As this is one of our events, I thought I would head along and enjoy the warm, sunny Sunday afternoon at The Aviary with my workmates.

After a long week of work for the JumpClimb team, it is really rewarding to see an event like the Aviary Rooftop Sessions come together and make so many people happy. It is another reason I have come to love working in PR and events - a dedicated team works hard to create something wonderful, something that seems to so effortlessly come together but has really been crafted for a particular client.








Until next time,
Renee